Melba “Jodie” Jo Ward passed away peacefully on March 28th, 2022, at the age of 89. Born on September 19, 1932, the 3rd of 7 children to O.C. and Hazel. She was the last surviving child. She had a long and wonderful life and was sharp as a tack all the way to the end.
Jodie was known for her kindness and giving spirit. Always helping others. She loved her church, her family, her friends and was a devoted Christian Woman. She was very close to all her family and was the glue that kept them all together.
Jodie held several jobs during her life, but her favorite was working for Braniff Airlines for 15 years. She made many lifelong friends from that job. They had a lot of fun adventures all over the US.
She was married to Gene Ward for just over 50 years. The last 5 years of Gene’s life he was a paraplegic. She was determined to keep the love of her life at home and not in a facility. She took great care of him through the most difficult of times.
She was the best wife, mom, friend, mimi/mamaw that anyone could ask for. She loved to play games! The grandkids/great grandkids got the biggest kick out of her confusing her 6’s and 9’s while playing Phase 10. That will be a memory they will always carry with them. She was an avid reader…especially these last two years stuck in the house due to Covid. She loved her Dallas Cowboys, we knew not to bother her during a football game.
She is survived by her children, Nadra Hackney, Ricky Ward and Sandi Wood. She was a very proud Mimi/Mamaw to her 7 grandchildren, Lindy, JP and wife Renita, Brandi and husband Dwayne, Nicole, Jerry, Aaron and Michael. She loved that she got to know her 6 great grandchildren, Chloe, Grayson, Jaycee, Rylee, Lyric and Emmi.
She will be truly missed, but what a glorious reunion in heaven with her lord and her family that had preceded her.
We will honor Mom on June 10th at 10:30 am at Ben F. Brown’s Memorial Funeral Home, 707 North MacArthur Blvd., Irving, TX 75061. Burial to follow at the DFW National Cemetery...15 minutes prior to the service, friends and family attending, will begin the processional line up at the cemetery in Lane 3.
In lieu of flowers please donate to the American Lung Association.